Whether it is an apartment, condo or townhouse renting a home means signing a lease and working with a landlord. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you understand the details of the lease agreement and the rules you will be expected to live by. Below gives potential tenants six questions to ask a landlord so that the tenant can go into their home search well prepared and have a better chance at getting the rental home of their dreams. Potential tenants have many great homes, condos and apartments to choose from in the Missouri City, Texas and Sugar Land, Texas areas.
6 Questions to Ask a Landlord before Signing a Lease
Whether it’s your first place after moving out of mom and dad’s house, a temporary space after relocating to a new city, or a home to retire in, renting an apartment, condo or house may be the answer. However, working with a landlord and understanding a lease requires research and patience. In a hot rental market, listings can go from “available to “under contract” in a matter of hours, making it crucial to have your questions prepared in advance so that you can get the answers you need and make an informed decision quickly.
Can I Paint and Decorate?
Many tenants see the white walls and neutral hues of a rental unit as a blank slate waiting for their personal touch. Before you stock up on gallons of paint and new curtains, be sure you understand what type of decorating is allowed. Painting, hanging wallpaper, changing the curtains and even making nail holes in the walls may be forbidden. Even if your landlord allows you to make changes, they may ask to approve them first, and you will probably be required to change everything back to its original state when you move out.
Be sure to do a walk through and take pictures before you take possession.
Are Pets Welcome?
Pets present one of the trickiest issues when renting a home. Some landlords welcome pets while others forbid them. However, there isn’t always a clear yes or no answer to this question as there are plenty of gray areas. Often, certain types of pets, and even specific breeds, have specific rules. Some landlords set a weight limit on pets, allowing small dogs but disallowing larger ones.
It’s also important to understand the financial aspects of having a pet in your rental unit. Additional security deposits are common, and many landlords go a step further by charging monthly pet rent to cover the potential damage that animals cause. Also, while a landlord may allow you to move in with your existing pet, they may not be open to you getting a new one down the line.
Who Is Responsible for Maintenance?
From routine tasks to middle-of-the-night emergencies, don’t sign a lease until you know who will take care of the maintenance and repairs. Most landlords leave routine tasks, such as lawn care and changing the air filters, up to the tenant. When less-routine needs pop up, such as a leaky faucet or a loose cabinet door, handy tenants may find it convenient to tackle the job themselves. Some landlords appreciate this arrangement and will allow you to subtract approved materials from the rent. However, this is not always the case and you may be left paying for your DIY repair yourself.
In addition, be sure to ask about what constitutes an emergency and immediate response. While you may think a broken air conditioner calls for a same-day fix, your landlord may feel it can wait a few days. Of course, the biggest issues tend to happen at the worst time, so make sure you understand who to call when a pipe bursts in the wee hours of the morning and who will handle things when the landlord is on vacation.
What Are the Rules Concerning Noise and Quiet Hours?
Most rental properties have a quiet hour rule, which details what time loud music and other noises must end. In addition, they may have rules about noise from parties, construction and pets including how far the sound may carry. If you’re a night owl, playing loud music at 2am probably won’t be acceptable. On the other hand, if you are the one bothered by a noisy neighbor, learn the landlord’s expectations for appropriately handling the situation. Some are fine with you knocking on the door and speaking to the neighbor on your own while others will ask that you contact the security office or the landlord instead.
What Happens if I Have An Irresponsible Roommate?
Having a roommate can be a cost-effective way to live in a nicer place than you could afford alone. However, if your name is on the lease, you are ultimately responsible for the entire amount of the rent. Dividing the cost will need to be worked out among the roommates, but your landlord will expect the full amount each month no matter what. If your roommate flakes on their portion, you will need to be able to cover it to remain in good standing with the landlord. And, if your roommate decides to leave before the lease ends, you are still locked in until the end of the contract.
Do I Have A Reserved Parking Space?
Most rental properties have assigned parking spaces for each rental unit. But what happens if you have more vehicles than assigned spots? Find out prior to signing on the dotted line if tenants are allowed to park in unassigned spaces. At some point, someone else will park in your assigned spot, leaving you aggravated and hunting for a space. Be sure to find out how to deal with a vehicle hogging your parking space. Some communities have a security office that will handle the situation while others leave this sort of issue in the hands of the residents. Having your parking needs taken care of is great, but what happens when you want to host a dinner party or invite a few friends over for book club? Is there an area for guest parking or do your friends have to park elsewhere and walk to your building?
Moving into a new place can be an exciting adventure. Just be sure to read all the rules, regulations, fine print and stipulations of the lease.
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